AAQ Mental Health
Statement of Intent
At Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre we are committed to providing students with a meaningful and academically rigorous understanding of mental health through the AAQ Mental Health qualification. This course has been designed to develop students’ knowledge of mental health and wellbeing, encourage informed discussion, and equip them with practical skills that will support them both personally and professionally in the future.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners can access, engage with and succeed in the curriculum through high-quality adaptive teaching, appropriate support and an inclusive learning environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives. The qualification itself promotes equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging, reflecting the diverse communities in which students live and learn.
What We Intend to Teach
The AAQ Mental Health course aims to provide students with a broad and balanced understanding of mental health, mental ill-health, and wellbeing across the lifespan. Students will explore:
The factors that influence mental health and wellbeing, including biological, psychological and social influences.
Common mental health conditions and the experiences of individuals living with them.
The impact of stigma, discrimination and societal attitudes towards mental health.
Strategies for promoting positive mental health and resilience in individuals and communities.
The role of support services, policies and professionals involved in mental healthcare.
Current issues, research and developments within the field of mental health.
Alongside subject knowledge, students will develop key transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, analysis, collaboration and problem-solving.
How We Intend to Teach It
Our approach to teaching is designed to be engaging, inclusive and reflective of real-world mental health issues. Students will learn through a variety of methods, including:
Teacher-led lessons that introduce and develop core concepts and theories.
Independent and collaborative research projects exploring contemporary mental health topics.
Analysis of case studies and real-life scenarios.
Discussion and debate around current issues and ethical considerations.
Opportunities to engage with relevant research and evidence-based practice.
Practical investigations and project work that encourage students to apply their knowledge to authentic contexts.
We aim to create a safe and respectful learning environment where students can explore sensitive topics thoughtfully and critically, while developing empathy and understanding for the experiences of others.
How This Will Help Students Going Forward
The AAQ Mental Health qualification prepares students for a wide range of future pathways. It provides a strong foundation for further study in subjects such as Psychology, Health and Social Care, Sociology, Nursing, Social Work, Education and Public Health.
The course also develops highly valued employability skills, including independent learning, teamwork, communication, critical analysis and project management. These skills are applicable across numerous career sectors and support students in becoming informed, resilient and socially responsible members of society.
Most importantly, students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of mental health and wellbeing, enabling them to better support themselves and others, challenge stigma, and contribute positively to the communities in which they live, study and work.
Through the AAQ Mental Health qualification, we aim to inspire curiosity, encourage compassion, and empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.